Lets Talk Monotropa Uniflora:
I was on a hike over the weekend and managed to stumble across this hidden gem! Wow. Ghost Pipe live in person right in front of me. It is so amazing that nature holds so many cures, remedies, and miracles. You can find so much out on a random walk or hike. With technology and science today it makes it a lot more simple to find out what things are. Unlike in the early 1900’s when botany was on the rise. Lets dive in to what makes these plants so useful.
Description:
- 2-12 inches in height
- Thin
- Translucent
- Associated with Fungal Hosts
- Toxic to Ingest
- Native to: North America, Asia, South America
Uses:
- Nervine: A nerve tonic, Calms nerves, Acts as sedative to calm nerves.
- Anodyne: A painkiller, can be used in place of opiates. Reduces pain.
- Antispasmodic: Involuntary spasm.
How To Use:
It is not recommended to ingest Ghost Plant due to it containing glycosides. The best way to safely use it is to create a tincture. Most tinctures are made with witch hazel or rubbing alcohol.
Side effects:
Some people may experience sweating or other reactions. It is highly advised to use a small amount in a area you can monitor for a few hours before using the plant as treatment on large areas of the body.
Protecting the Future of Ghost Pipe
It is best for the environment and future generations to only harvest after the plant has produced its seeds. They produce seeds in late summer and early fall. These plants are very fragile one touch will cause bruising. Once the plant is bruised it will wilt and die. It is essential to protect the the future of these wonderful plants! Do your part to make sure they stay safe and continue to populate. The forest also depends on ghost pipes properties to complete the ecosystem. If you would like harvest tips and the recipe for the tincture click the link below.
